In celebration of its 10th anniversary, the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop has released a special fall travel guide featuring seasonal hikes, cultural events, and geothermal soaking spots.
Colorado’s vibrant fall season provides the perfect backdrop for one of the country’s most scenic and restorative road trips: the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop. This 800-mile route connects eight mountain communities renowned for their natural hot springs, rich culture, and unforgettable landscapes, offering travelers a unique way to explore the Centennial State’s autumn beauty.
From September through October, golden aspen groves, crimson scrub oaks, and deep evergreen forests transform the Rocky Mountains into a kaleidoscope of color. The Loop links Steamboat Springs, Glenwood Springs, Carbondale, Ouray, Durango, Pagosa Springs, Saguache County, and Chaffee County, each offering hiking trails through vibrant foliage, seasonal festivals, and geothermal soaking experiences in breathtaking settings.
“Fall is an extraordinary time to travel the Loop, and visitors are always curious which paths to take and trails to explore,” says Olivia Savard, spokesperson for the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop. “In honor of the Loop’s 10th anniversary, the destinations have compiled a special fall travel guide that highlights seasonal hikes, cultural events, and soaking spots to help travelers make the most of autumn in Colorado.”
Each destination along the Loop offers its own perspective on the season. Trails like Hanging Lake near Glenwood Springs and the Perimeter Trail in Ouray showcase autumn’s color at its peak, while the Million Dollar Highway provides one of the state’s most dramatic drives. Towns along the way feature harvest events and local arts, creating a journey that combines Colorado’s natural beauty with its mountain culture. At the heart of it all are the healing geothermal waters, ranging from private pools with riverside views to historic pools, natural vapor caves, and even the world’s deepest geothermal aquifer, offering restorative experiences that have drawn visitors for decades.
With autumn’s popularity for both hiking and hot springs, advance planning is encouraged. Many resorts now offer reservations, and resources such as the Care for Colorado principles provide guidance on how to enjoy these landscapes while helping to preserve them for future generations.
For an expanded story on how to pair fall foliage with hikes and soaks along the Loop, visit: https://www.cohotspringsloop.com/the-countrys-most-relaxing-road-trip-also-happens-to-be-an-astonishing-fall-drive/
For additional itineraries, maps, and travel inspiration, visit www.cohotspringsloop.com.
Follow along on social media at @hotspringsloop and #HotSpringsLoop to share your fall adventure.
Media Contact:
Marlene Neidert
Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop
(970) 505-7106
marlene@omfluence.com
